Save Stove-Top Creamy Risotto is the epitome of Italian comfort food—luxuriously creamy, bursting with flavor, and perfect for an elegant yet cozy meal. Whether you choose to enrich your risotto with earthy mushrooms or the classic richness of Parmesan cheese, each spoonful is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed by attentive cooking. This dish invites you to slow down and savor the process of stirring and simmering, rewarding your patience with a velvety texture and depth of flavor that can’t be rushed.
Save Every step in this risotto recipe enhances the flavor and texture—from sautéing onions and garlic to slowly coaxing the rice with wine and broth. The final stir-in of butter and Parmesan creates that signature creamy coat that makes each grain a delight. Serve it immediately to enjoy its perfect, luscious consistency.
Ingredients
- Rice
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 250 g (9 oz) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced (for Mushroom Risotto, optional)
- Liquids
- 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth, kept warm
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Finishing
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for Parmesan Risotto, or as an add-on to Mushroom Risotto)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- 2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- If making Mushroom Risotto, add the mushrooms and sauté until golden and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
- 3. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until the grains are well-coated and slightly translucent at the edges.
- 4. Pour in the white wine, stirring constantly, and cook until the wine is fully absorbed.
- 5. Add the warm broth one ladleful (about 1/2 cup) at a time, stirring gently and allowing each addition to be mostly absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18–22 minutes.
- 6. Remove the pan from heat.
- Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and the risotto is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Take care to stir gently and patiently as you add the broth gradually, which helps release the starches from the rice and build creaminess without the need for cream. Using warm broth ensures the cooking process remains smooth and even. Finely chopping the onion and garlic ensures they melt seamlessly into the dish, adding subtle layers of flavor.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, swap the butter for plant-based alternatives and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy depth. To enhance the mushroom flavor, experiment with wild varieties or add a splash of truffle oil before serving. You can also omit the mushrooms entirely for a simple Parmesan Risotto that still delivers on richness.
Serviervorschläge
Serve Stove-Top Creamy Risotto as a main dish accompanied by a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance its richness. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of brightness.
Save An exceptional risotto invites mindfulness and a bit of culinary love, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that delights and comforts. Whether enjoyed on a busy weeknight or during a leisurely dinner with friends, Stove-Top Creamy Risotto promises a rewarding experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of rice is used?
Arborio rice is used for its creamy and slightly firm texture when cooked slowly.
- → Can mushrooms be omitted?
Yes, mushrooms are optional and can be replaced or omitted to suit personal preferences.
- → How is creaminess achieved without cream?
The creaminess comes from slowly absorbing broth and stirring in butter and Parmesan cheese at the end.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the rich flavors nicely.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, substitute dairy butter with plant-based alternatives and replace Parmesan with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.